Young Professional Xhanae A. Barry had settled into her real-estate career purely out of passion. After graduating from university in 2007 to peruse her dream job as an accountant, she realized that field was not the perfect fit. Photo: Provided

As an entrepreneur, Xhanae co-owns Isola Realty and Property Management along with her sister Xyla A. Barry. Photo: Provided

In parting advice, our young professional urged other young people to pursue their dreams, never let fear consume them and never think any idea or thought is too big. Photo: Provided

Early beginnings

Our young professional real estate agent, Xhanae, 23, lives on the island of Tortola in the Virgin Islands.

She is a past student of Ebenezer Thomas Primary school in Sea Cows Bay and Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town.

Xhanae studied Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and majored in Accounting with a Minor in Criminology while attending the University of Tampa.

She said her hobbies are cooking and meditating and her interests are Real Estate, Interior Design and all things Culinary.

“I like to consider myself a Jane of all trade,” Ms Barry told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Life as a Real estate agent

As an entrepreneur, Xhanae co-owns Isola Realty and Property Management, along with her sister Xyla A. Barry.

“Isola Realty and Property Management entails real estate services where we assist clients in buying, selling or investing in properties. In property management services we assist clients in managing and maintaining the grounds of the properties, whether it be apartments, commercial space or villas/air BNB’s.”

According to Xhanae, the things she enjoys most about being in this industry is getting to be around her interest, which includes beauty and interior design, in addition to networking to meet amazing people.

“The most challenging thing about being in this industry is when the demand is greater than the supply and it becomes a task to find the perfect property that fits your client’s needs,” she said.

Life lessons

Turning attention to life lessons, our Young Professional said her biggest life lesson so far in this industry is believing that everyone is "as genuine as you are."

She initially did not have plans to enter real estate; however, she did so in pursuit of her passions for designs and home decorating.

“When I graduated in 2017 from the University of Tampa, I got my dream job as an accountant. I realised; however, that I was not happy, and it was not for me, so I decided to go into a field that I was always interested in. Working in a field that was not for me and made me unhappy is what inspired me.”

Xhanae said being in real estate is a field she always desired but did not pursue it out of fear.

“My clients and the way they are satisfied with the services is what keeps me focused. I wish to see myself making a difference in the BVI where locals have the opportunity to gain access to property that is affordable,” Xhanae said.

Parting Advice

In parting advice, our young professional urged other young people to pursue their dreams and to never let fear consume them and to never think any idea or thought is too big.

“My final advice to the youths looking to pursue a passion is always take it seriously. If you’re good at it then you can profit from it. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your passion isn’t something that can be realised and fall into the trap of an industry that does not make you happy. Life is about doing things you love,” she said.

Persons looking to get in contact with the business can email Info@isolabvi or call office telephone number is 284-442-410.